Bhagwad Gita as sports psychology

Vithal C Nadkarni, TNNJan 18, 2006, 12.22am IST

The Bhagwad Gita is venerated as a supremely philosophical work. But it can also be seen as a primer of sports psychology expounded by Sri Krishna on the battlefield of life for the benefit of the supremely athletic warrior prince Arjuna.

One generally tends to associate 'psychology' with visions of people undergoing Freudian analysis or treatment in psychiatric wards. But one can also think of the Lord as the Supreme Psychologist, the dispenser of potent soul medicine that kills doubt, dispels illusion and restores right memory and action.

He has a rain cloud complexion, sports peacock feathers in his hair, flaunts brilliant silks instead of the usual white coat on pinstripes. His voice is deep as a thunderstorm that utters timeless truths to save our souls in treacherous times.

It's his disciple who displays failings that are all too human. The mighty archer, a wielder of the fearsome Pashupata and other divine arms, is the hero on whom rest humanity's hopes of winning a righteous war.

But instead of psyching himself into an overkill mode Arjuna has allowed himself to be overcome with pity and compassion. Dry-mouthed, with his limbs quivering and hair standing on end, he stands between the rival factions, utterly shattered at the prospect of killing his own kin and beloved gurus and elders.